ADHD Diagnosis - Why You Should Seek Help Privately
Private adult ADHD assessments have become increasingly popular since wait times are at an all-time high. Those registered with a GP in England have the option of using their "Right to Choice" and opt to be referred to a private provider.
This allows them to be diagnosed and assessed within months, compared to waiting years on the NHS.
Waiting at various times
A growing number of people are seeking a diagnosis for ADHD. It is estimated that more than one million adults have undiagnosed ADHD in the UK, and waiting times for NHS assessments are soaring. In some areas, it can take as long as seven years for an assessment appointment to be available. Some famous people have expressed their opinions about the condition, including Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins, and Johnny Vegas. However many adults in need of a diagnosis are forced to seek out help privately.
In some instances patients have been told that they have to wait for up to 18 months before receiving a prescription of ADHD medication. The lack of staff within the public health system is to blame. The problem is especially acute in Greater Manchester where service providers have to cope with the demand. Referrals result from the absence of a top down strategy for ADHD. This has resulted in the outsourcing of adult ADHD evaluation to private providers such as Psychiatry UK. The result is long wait times for patients.
A BBC Panorama investigation sparked a debate about the method by which private clinics diagnosis ADHD. An undercover journalist visited three private clinics and was diagnosed with ADHD by all. The BBC claims that these clinics rush through assessments and prescribe powerful medications without providing proper advice about side effects. Despite these claims the BBC's report has been criticized for failing to focus on the wider issues surrounding the delivery of ADHD services in the UK.
The NHS has more than 10,000 adult ADHD cases on its waiting list. This is a result of increasing awareness and a rising number of people seeking a diagnosis for the condition. The demand has surpassed the capacity of NHS services in some areas, and they are not able to offer an assessment in any way. Those who are fortunate enough to receive an assessment through the NHS will be waiting for a long time before they can get treatment.
There are several ways to cut down the time required to wait for ADHD diagnoses. The first step is to talk to their GP and explain the reason they believe they may be suffering from the disorder. Their GP should be concerned and recommend an assessment.
Psychiatrists
The process of being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult for adults. The NHS is struggling to meet the demand for ADHD tests. This has led to numerous short cuts, from private clinics to online assessments. These are not always reliable and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
It is important to consult an expert psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD for an diagnosis. A general practitioner or psychologist may not have the knowledge of skills, experience and expertise to make a diagnosis. If you're not sure who to contact, check with your local mental health services for an approved list of providers. You can request your GP for the referral to an expert. This is the fastest method of receiving an ADHD assessment.
There is an increasing awareness of ADHD and many are seeking help for the condition. While it is not possible to completely cure the condition however, there are a variety of treatments that can improve symptoms. This includes psychiatric medicines, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Some people also take supplements to reduce symptoms.
A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can help you find the most effective treatment for your symptoms. They can assess you for signs such as difficulties in concentrating, issues with working memory, poor sleep habits, and emotional dysregulation. They will also inquire about your childhood and your family history. They will then make a plan tailored to you. This could include psychotherapy or medication.
If you're recommended an adult ADHD assessment by your GP in England you have the read more legal right to choose the clinic you want to visit. This Right to Choose service allows you to choose the clinic in your area that provides NHS assessments. Alternatively, you can also make use of a private clinic that does NHS assessments. These clinics have shorter waiting times and also offer video calls.
The Psychiatrists of Anchor Psychiatry Group, Norfolk and Waveney have a together more than 23 years of providing holistic psychiatric assessments and psychotherapeutic interventions for adults. They specialize in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alongside other presenting problems like anxiety and depression.
Costs
The demand for private ADHD assessment is on the rise and is expected to increase. This is partly due to the increased awareness of the condition, a deficient NHS and an environment where mental health issues are becoming more widespread. Additionally, many sufferers can see the harm that untreated ADHD can do to their careers and relationships and are willing to pay for a diagnosis so that they can get treatment.
The BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics brought up concerns about businesses that exploit vulnerable patients. The documentary by BBC Panorama exposed that some private clinics cost patients thousands of pounds to receive mediocre assessments and poor aftercare. This is a serious issue that the government must address.
Currently, the NHS lets adults choose the psychiatrist they want to see for a diagnosis appointment. However the choice is typically restricted to certain NHS health regions and GPs with contracts with these providers. This means that GPs are often overburdened with this work and may not be able to offer a full service to people suffering from ADHD. This has led to a rise in private ADHD assessment services, which are generally less expensive than NHS appointments.
Some of these private services are excellent however, others aren't as reliable and professional as the NHS. Some of these services charge for the diagnosis, which could cause patients to become overly concerned with their symptoms. This will not help their lives and cost money that could be used for other services such as depression or anxiety.
However, certain NHS services are excellent and provide a high-quality and comprehensive service for adults suffering from ADHD. This includes the Maudsley Hospital in London, which is internationally renowned for its adult ADHD assessment and treatment. However, these services are struggling to keep up with the demands of an expanding patient population, and they are unlikely to change unless the government makes better investments in mental health services.
Insurance
It can be costly to have an in-depth ADHD assessment however it's worth it if it's something you can afford. The diagnosis can improve your quality of living and aid you in a variety of areas, including your relationships and work. You should inform your insurance provider of any diagnosis so that they can advise you on the best level of protection for you.
If you have a private health insurance policy, you should check its terms and conditions to determine if it covers ADHD assessments. The four major private health insurance providers, Axa PPP, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality Health each have their own policies. Some will not pay for the exam, but others will. It is crucial to study the terms and conditions carefully to know what they cover.
Doctors may refuse to refer a patient for an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons. However, this is not always the situation. If your GP is unable to assist you, try another. If your GP isn't willing to sign a shared-care agreement with you, you can have a second opinion in an ADHD clinic. There are several online ADHD tests available however they could be misleading.